French GP ramps up security after abusive F1 fan behavior

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This weekend's French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard will take place under increased security following the reports of abuse and harassment that emerged in Austria.

On Saturday at the Red Bull Ring, spectators who experienced harassment or unacceptable comments at the track took to social media to report the issues.

The Formula One Group responded by denouncing the behaviour and saying that it was taking the accounts "very seriously". And the promoters of the French Grand Prix have acted by implementing a series of specific security measures this weekend.

For starters, there will be a visible security presence in the grandstands and in spectator areas that will monitor behaviour and intervene if necessary.

Fans will be able to rely on SOS assistance phone lines around the track, operated by trained security personnel, to report abuses.

The promoter will also encourage fans to respect each other by displaying during the weekend messages on large screens located around the Circuit Paul Ricard.

Read also: F1 condemns 'unacceptable' fan abuse at Red Bull Ring

Commenting on the topic of fan abuse and harassment, Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel isn't sure if the behaviour is actually something new. But the four-time F1 world champion is happy to see people standing up to the abuse.

"Maybe you are seeing a generation coming to the track who complains about it and makes a noise and uses different platforms to complain about it," he said.

"It is great to see people having the courage to stand up because by learning about it, we can do something about it.

"It has been going on for some time at all major sporting events.

"It is more than about time that it is changing because there is no space for those things."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.